Dave Nevison of Plymouth:
1 Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul, Ames Center. Part '60s soul revue and part Jersey bar band, this 15-piece group led by Steven Van Zandt of E Street Band fame rocked the intimate Burnsville theater. His TeachRock program is his new passion, and educators got in free.
2 Rich Lewis Band. For more than 50 years, Lewis has been the unsung journeyman of Twin Cities musicians, gigging at Erte, Eagles Club and elsewhere. Don't miss his all-star Christmas gig at Whitey's Saloon in Minneapolis Dec. 30.
3 "The Big Interview With Dan Rather," AXS-TV. To my surprise, his interviews with music's elite are as good as it gets. The Kid Rock and Gene Simmons episodes stand out.
Contribute: popmusic@startribune.com.
Jon Bream of the Star Tribune:
1 Bruce Springsteen cover story, Esquire magazine. Writer Michael Hainey does a deep dive into the Boss' psyche and DNA via his memoir, Broadway show and a series of interviews. The piece is as analytical and revealing as "Springsteen on Broadway" if not as humorous.
2 Leo Kottke, the Guthrie. After introducing himself as "the ghost of Christmas future," the white-bearded Minnesotan told quirky stories and played masterful six- and 12-string guitar. Highlight: the solo on "Eight Miles High."
